Obama urges Venezuelan Gov't to release protesters

US President Barack Obama speaks during a joint press conference with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Toluca, Mexico (AFP)

US President Barack Obama yesterday sharply criticized the Venezuelan government for arresting protesters and urged the government to focus on the "legitimate grievances" of its people.

At a news conference concluding a North American summit, Obama did not mince words in reacting to Venezuela's expulsion this week of three US diplomats accused of recruiting students to lead protests in Caracas.

Instead of "making up false accusations" against US diplomats, the Venezuelan government should focus on the "legitimate grievances of the Venezuelan government," Obama said.

He called on the Caracas government to release protesters it had detained and engage in a real dialogue. "All parties have an obligation to work together," he said.